City Opens Warming Centers As Severe Cold Hits Hartford

MICHAEL McANDREWS

Josh Cyr, a television photographer with FoxCT, uses a heat gun to un-freeze a frozen television microwave mast on top of his truck in Hartford Tuesday morning. The mast was frozen in the up position, making the truck unable to drive.

Josh Cyr, a television photographer with FoxCT, uses a heat gun to un-freeze a frozen television microwave mast on top of his truck in Hartford Tuesday morning. The mast was frozen in the up position, making the truck unable to drive. (MICHAEL McANDREWS)

The city of Hartford has opened five warming centers around the city as temperatures plunge below freezing this week, Mayor Pedro Segarra said.

Tuesday's high in Hartford is expected to reach 22 degrees, while a low of -2 is forecasted for Wednesday, according to Weather.com. City officials said they plan to close the Winterfest ice skating rink in Bushnell Park at 5 p.m. Wednesday because of the cold.

On Tuesday evening, as the temperature dipped to 19 degrees, Deputy Chief Brian Foley said on Twitter that Hartford police "will focus on getting the homeless to warm shelters overnight. Beat Officers are asked to check known locations." He added the hashtag, "#AllLivesMatter."

Segarra asked residents "to check on their neighbors." Those who need shelter can call 2-1-1.

The following warming centers will be open during daytime hours when the temperature is below 25 degrees:

Hartford also has four permanent, emergency shelters that are open 24 hours in severe cold:

McKinney Men's Shelter: 34 Huyshope Ave, (860) 722-6922

Immaculate Conception Shelter: 560 Park St, (860) 724-4823

South Park Inn: 75 Main St, (860) 724-0071

Open Hearth: 437 Sheldon St., (860) 525-3447

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Tuesday that he was activating the state's severe cold weather protocol through Saturday, an action that calls on various state agencies to coordinate with shelters and the 2-1-1 hotline to aid people who are especially vulnerable in extreme weather, such as the homeless.

"I urge anyone in need of shelter to call 2-1-1 and encourage local communities to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to assist people in need," Malloy said.